Kailh Box Navy vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Kailh Box Navy and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. On one hand, the Box Navy switches offer a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click while typing. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovation, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. It offers a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore the specific characteristics and nuances of each switch so you can make an informed decision about which one is best suited to your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This shared feature results in a similar sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting. However, it is worth noting that the differences in other components may still affect the overall typing experience.
Where the switches do differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy boasts a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This distinction in bottom housing material may offer a discernible difference in typing feel and sound when pressing down on the switches.
It is important to consider that the choice of housing material affects different aspects of the switch's performance. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound that is produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Kailh Box Navy and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches may share similar results in terms of their polycarbonate top housing, the nuances brought by their respective nylon bottom housings can influence the overall experience of using these switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear, which is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Box Navy is even heavier at 90 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
When it comes to weight, the Box Navy switch is noticeably heavier than the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to be able to type for longer periods without fatigue, especially for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, and in that case, they should opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the Box Navy.
As for the actuation force, the Box Navy requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, which has an unknown actuation force. Similarly, the Box Navy has a higher bottom out force, indicating that pressing all the way down requires more effort than with the Semi-Silent Linear.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have distinct differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy is heavier in both aspects, offering a more substantial typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Kailh Box Navy switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance. In that case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch could be a suitable choice for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Overall, the difference in travel distance between these switches is minimal, so you can expect similar results from both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
The Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage buckling keyboard sound signature. It produces a resonant and crunchy sound when typing, creating an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The feel of the Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff. Its strong tactile bump provides high feedback intensity, resulting in a distinct and immersive typing sensation. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, on the other hand, offers a more innovative experience. It has a semi-silent label due to its whisper-quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and more subtle sound when pressed. It has a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience, along with a snappy and buttery keystroke sensation. It has a polished finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a sharp and invigorating tactile feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued sound with a mild and snappy buttery feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the switch that best suits your desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound hark back to vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. Additionally, if you enjoy a sharp tactile feel and invigorating typing sensation, the Box Navy switches will provide a highly pronounced feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle sound signature and a gentle typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are the way to go. Their semi-silent label comes from their whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. They offer a more neutral switch experience with moderate actuation force and sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and overall feel. So, consider your priorities and choose the switch that aligns best with them.
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